A place to discuss genealogy and history related resources for Thames, New Zealand.
A place for Thamesites, to visit and remember The Thames of old, the golden town that many of our ancestors called home.

Monday, March 12, 2018

Thames (NZ): Secrets revealed at Shortland Cemetery

While most of us think about doing something to improve the state of the graves at our historic cemeteries, people like Graeme just get on with it and make a difference - week in and week out.

The first two photographs show the sorry state of a grave at Shortland Cemetery. Vegetation/creepers cover the entire plot including being attached firmly to the vertical headstone. Unrecognisable and unidentifiable to anyone passing by. Now proceed to the lower photo and see what an afternoons work can do.

The weeds cleared, the detailed inscription reveals the deaths of three children: Flora Miller (1882), Clarice Miller (1903) and Ailsa Miller (1907). (photo below) Flora was the eldest daughter of Mr & Mrs J E Miller, she died of scarlatina anginosa aged just seven years. Clarice and Ailsa were the daughters of Ernest and Annie Miller of Parawai.

Mr J A (James Armstrong) Miller and his son E N (Ernest Napier) Miller were solicitors under the name of Miller & Son. Mr J A Miller had started as a lawyer in Thames in 1869 - the firm Miller Poulgrain is still operating in the town to this day.

Thankyou Graeme, for taking the time to clear this significant grave - hopefully more will adopt a few graves and help us all to remember the early pioneering families on the Thames Goldfield. There is talk of a new group being formed that will build on the work of our dedicated cemetery volunteer, I will keep you posted when I hear more!

Plot 1203 Shortland Cemetery

The Inscription reads:

In Memory of Flora Purchas. Eldest daughter of J A & E Miller Died 11th November 1882 aged 7 years 7 months. "He shall gather the lambs with his arms, and carry them in his bosum".